The decision to refresh in-office technology comes as major companies tighten their back-to-office policies, an issue likely to remain in focus for C-suiters in 2025. Apple and Amazon are a few of the tech companies switching back to an in-person schedule.

• Zoom In: Studies show during the past two quarters, the number of companies requiring three days per week in office increased to 28% from 19%.
• Why it Matters: Despite the shift, many companies still offer a flex work model.

This requires IT leaders to balance RTO with a hybrid model.

Everything you need for a successful RTO

In 2025, visual collaboration tools are expected to evolve significantly, focusing on interactivity, equity, and integration. Some key innovative trends we’re seeing to meet the demands:

1. Smarter Spaces:  Microsoft Places unlocks new levels of coordination, modernization, and optimization. While Cisco Spaces is a cloud-based platform that is designed to help organizations understand how people move within their physical spaces. It’s designed to help organizations create safer, smarter, and more seamless workplaces. Finally, Zoom Spaces is focused on Workspace Reservation including scheduling displays, digital signage, virtual receptionist, and collaboration.
2. Repurpose Existing Conference Rooms:  The need for large in-person meetings has slowed. New or repurposed spaces require digital displays, room controls, and built-in audio for integrated Unified Communications and video platforms. Let’s not forget support when technology becomes troublesome such as QR codes connecting you to a live help desk or self-guided video.
3. Immersive Experiences: Visual collaboration platforms are moving towards more immersive and interactive user experiences, with a focus on enhanced UI/UX design. These tools will increasingly leverage larger, high-resolution displays and projected visuals, allowing teams to navigate complex ideas on virtual canvases that feel boundless. This setup encourages creativity and makes it easier for team members to interact across different devices and locations, enhancing the virtual workspace’s appeal and accessibility. By enabling businesses to visualize, experiment, and refine conference room designs real-time, NWN’s VR consultation services bridge the gap between conceptualization and implementation.

4. Asynchronous Communication: Given the global nature of work today, there is a strong emphasis on asynchronous collaboration. This shift allows team members to contribute at their own pace, reducing the need for constant real-time meetings and allowing more flexibility. Asynchronous features in visual tools enable structured, productive contributions without the challenges of scheduling across time zones.
5. Sustainability and Minimalist Design: There’s also a trend toward making visual collaboration tools eco-conscious by reducing unnecessary complexity and embracing minimalist, yet functional designs that reduce cognitive load. As design tools become simpler and more intuitive, companies hope to foster streamlined workflows that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.
6. AI Emotion Detection for virtual collaboration is geared toward big advancements in AI to greatly enhance emotion detection capabilities in video conferences in 2025. Expected integrations with VR, AR, and Virtual Assistants will create more interpersonal experiences.  
7. Integration across all Tools: Refreshing the hardware and software in meeting spaces for a better employee experience is key. A few takeaways:

• Simplicity, automation, and intelligence
• An integrated platform for unified communications
• Built-in security with end-to-end connectivity
• AI PCs for secure, fast-working devices
• User confidence with 24/7 support, or self-help

Just bring your laptop, plug in, and innovate

NWN, in partnership with our strategic manufacturers, is leading the way in creating innovative work options. Book Time at our East or West Collaboration Centers to see how technology can make your employees’ RTO more seamless.

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